While many people try to avoid responsibility, Stanley Baker set another standard.

As reported in World Magazine, Stanley Baker bought a book at garage sale. The parking ticket he found inside the book was dated 1975. “And despite the fact that the parking ticket wasn’t issued to him—and was now 36 years past due—the Pentwater, Mich., 89-year-old figured that he might as well pay.”

So last month, Baker put the $1 payment for the 1975 ticket in the original envelope along with a note that read, “Better late than never,” and mailed it…”

Stanley Baker didn’t avoid responsibility. Instead, when Stanley Baker learned of a need he could meet — even though 30 years had passed and he was hundreds of miles away — and he helped a stranger.

He shared a stranger’s burden. He helped the way he could.

Compassion

Lots of people give lip-service to compassion. The Bible says, talk is cheap.

“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” 1

In other words, “Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.” 2

This week Bono [from U2] and K’naan [a Somali rapper] met with Somali Minnesotans to discuss crisis’s in the Horn of Africa.

ONE.org reported that, “Right now, the Horn of Africa- Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti- is experiencing the worst drought in 60 years. On Wednesday, July 20th the UN formally declared a famine in Somalia- its first in nearly 20 years.”

The famous musicians “met with 3 young Somali Minnesotans who are active in relief efforts to address the crisis: Ruqia Mohamed, Shukri Abdinur and Mohamed Samatar.”

Regular people caring about the needs of others, just like Stanley Baker.

Challenge

Many people try to avoid responsibility. I look up and admire those who rise above disinterest. I praise those who step up and step out to share burdens and live out true religion.

Please join me and sign a ONE.org petition to support childhood immunizations to help the widows and orphans of the world.